As a result of storms and forest fires, Germany’s fire departments are demanding more support from the federal government in purchasing suitable emergency vehicles. “Many states are in the process of procuring new vehicles. The federal government is also playing a part in this,” said the President of the German Fire Brigade Association, Karl-Heinz Banse, to the German Press Agency. “Fires don’t stop at state borders. The federal government cannot therefore take exception.”
In Germany, fire and disaster protection is the responsibility of the federal states. “We have forest fires and floods that we never knew existed before,” said Banse. It therefore happens that vehicles purchased by municipalities reach their limits. “With a chassis that I use in downtown Berlin or other communities, for example, I am far from being able to go off-road,” he explained.
“It was recognized after the events that we have deficits. We are starting to procure.” According to the head of the association, there is sometimes a lack of money in municipal budgets and capacity among emergency vehicle manufacturers. “It can happen that you wait up to three years for a new vehicle.”
Demand for better civil protection
“We now have to do more for the equipment,” demanded Banse. After the special fund worth billions for the Bundeswehr, civil protection now also needs to be strengthened. “When the state says we have to defend ourselves externally, then we must not forget what internal security looks like.” In addition to the police, this also includes civil protection with the fire department and rescue services.
Against the background of the difficult budget negotiations in the federal government, Banse warned of cuts at the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief. “That would be a completely wrong signal for us.” Funds that could not be spent in 2023 should be carried over to the new year. “We’re talking about a high double-digit million amount here.”
